Question

Is the superposition theorem applicable to AC circuits?

Answer 1

Superposition theorem:

The superposition theorem states that the response of any element in a linear, bidirectional network with multiple sources is equal to the sum of the responses obtained from each source separately.

Draw the required diagram,

When using superposition to AC circuits, it is advisable to first determine the complex effective or peak value of each source's contribution and then add the results. In contrast to employing superposition with time functions, where each individual time function must be added, this is significantly simpler.

1. The overall current in any segment of a linear circuit is the algebraic sum of the individual currents produced by each source.
2. Any linear circuit can be used to prove the theorem.
3. The ideal technique to use superposition in AC circuits is to calculate the complex effective or peak value of each source's contribution one at a time, then add the complex values together.

Hence, the superposition theorem also applies to AC circuits.